Dear Ones

Moving on is not easy after knowing Carol for 68 years.

Sadly, I confess that at times, I think more about her than when she was daily with me. I did take her for granted. Six months ago today she left her diseased body. I believe she took with her the "increment" of her life Investment in us and those she constantly ministered to. Her life talents were invested in values Death does not touch.

As I turn her four band ring on my finger, I feel there is something holy about the body we live in. The spiritual sacrificial essence from Carol's life is now to be manifest in us. Carol made her body obey her Christ-like impulses in a disciplined way. She truly enjoyed the rhythm and dance of human life. What is ours is ours forever. Now we move on.

Carol tried to teach me the "box waltz" and dancing several times. I have rhythm but poor memory. Hugging was fun and moving in rhythm. I remember and REJOICE.

She would say, "It takes two to tango."

       Today I fulfilled one of the last promises which Carol knew about 8 months ago... In moving into the 6 story "Wesley-Palms" main building.  I quit trying to play the ukelele.. I did flounder around and knew several chords; as with 6 Hawaiian, Japanese Philipino women and one man on the guitar..we played in the Nursing home  each week on the island of Lanaii. That was fantastic.
    I asked Rick Gonzales, our Business Mgr. and Guitarist, last February 24th to accompany me at the Christmas Celebration when we honor the Staff; and he did.  I wasn't sure i could go through with it..but we did.. I wrote some corny stanzas of our appreciation and these two about  life, to the tune of "Springtime in the Rockies" 
    In the 'Afternoon' of living,our staff meets all out needs..They bless us without measure in helpful thoughtful deeds. etc
    In the golden years of living,there is wonder in each day..In the golden Years of Living,more time to laugh and play..Life's gift's for blessing others..each day is full of fun..In the golden years of living  our lives have just begun......(Repeat ..and then a stanza... In the golden Years of Living,,,The best is yet to come."'


It was a great Party as each of over 170  employees, most who have been here many years, received over $600. as a  Christmas gift. (we don't have tipping)
     I will spend Christmas here, go to Susan's church Christmas Eve with part of her Family; Jim Styn is in New Zealand..and sing Carols in the Styn Jacuzzi...
    The new miracle..each of you can visualize is the camera grandson John has allowed me to use...  Some pictures  you will receive with the "snail'  Christmas letter next week... caleb elroy..Imagine the miracle of just loading my Web site and seeing the pictures I take here...of my classmates and all the Choirs who visit us...
    Love and Shalom...12-14-2002